The City of Greater Bendigo is the first regional council and third in Australia to receive Welcoming Cities Accreditation at the Excelling Level, and the first to do so under the new national standards. The Excelling Level Accreditation is assessed across six key areas - leadership, inclusion, economic development, civic participation, equitable access, and learning.
Welcoming Cities is a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities, who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate. The network recognises that of all tiers of government, local councils are best placed to understand the complexity and diversity of their communities.
City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said in 2020 the City of Greater Bendigo was the first local government in Australia to be accredited as a Welcoming City by the Welcoming Cities Network and is delighted to receive the further Excelling Level Accreditation.
"Achieving Excelling Accreditation as a Welcoming City recognises Greater Bendigo's considerable commitment to cultural diversity, Aboriginal reconciliation and social cohesion," Mr Cooney said.
"This latest milestone strengthens the City's reputation as a national leader in inclusion and raises our profile at State, National and International levels.
"It sets a benchmark for the City to continue its work to improve services and ensure Greater Bendigo is a welcoming city for all."
The City of Greater Bendigo was also recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion by winning a 2023 Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence and winning the 2024 LGPro Award for Diversity and Inclusion.
